Season 4 of ABC’s Critics Choice Award-nominatedThe Middle graduated with honors on Wednesday, drawing 7.5 million total viewers — the sitcom’s most watched finale in three years — while matching last year’s demo rating of 2.0. Week-to-week, The Middle inched up a tenth.

Finally, The Middle’s indefatigably optimistic Sue has snagged a boyfriend with some staying power — big brother Axl’s pal, Darrin. There’s just one problem — he’s big brother Axl’s pal, Darrin! And the wannabe rock star’s objections to the pairing only get louder when his sib starts interfering in his band, Axl and the Ax Men! READ MORE

The Modern Family ties are still strong, as the ABC comedy returned on Wednesday to 14.2 million total viewers and a 5.5 demo rating, dominating the night and dipping just a few percentage points from its year-ago opener.

ABC’s The Middle may have only scored a single Emmy nom this year — losing out to Game of Thrones for Outstanding Makeup for A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) — but executive producer Eileen Heisler says she and her coworkers handle the lack of recognition in major categories with the same optimistic “Midwestiness” exhibited by the show’s Heck family. …READ MORE